'A Short History of Everything Else' (Channel 4) is yet another comedy quiz show; 'thetvreviewguy' can barely turn on the telly without seeing a bunch of celebs/comedians sparring in a panel game. The criteria for success, apart from viewership, aren't that many; can you be vaguely original and make the audience laugh? Despite the efforts of host Griff Rhys Jones, warhorse of the British Comedy scene, the prog fails to present any sort of unique selling point apart from a look back at old news clips instead of contemporary ones. Marcus Brigstocke and Charlie Baker make decent efforts but the show just looks messy; a 'What's My Line?' mystery guest who had news value once only adds to the, er, high concept nature of the programme. Now it doesn't completely suck; it's not a Mrs B****'s B*** or the (un) like. It just never takes off and is like an awkward first meeting up of a Stag Weekend Party; awkward, testing the waters, with the promise of more humour down the road. Channel 4 commissioning editors take note; TV doesn't always have to re-invent the wheel but comedy shouldn't be production line either - just re-design the wheel now and again. 'A short History of Everything Else' is a good gig for those taking part but not such a good one for the viewers; a distinct 'meh' with a shoulder shrug thrown in.
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